Continuing our discussion ... Looking at fiction Little Women was a subversive work in many ways, putting new ideas into the heads of children while managing not to upset their parents. One such idea was its endorsement of reading fiction. According to Beverly Lyon Clark, a leading authority on children's literature, children were not encouraged …
The Alcotts at Fruitlands, seen through the eyes of a “regular child:” Book Review: Little Women Next Door by Sheila Solomon Klass
Some of the best books written about Louisa May Alcott are those geared for children. One of my favorites is Little Women Next Door by Sheila Solomon Klass. In a gentle yet poignant story Klass shows the Alcotts during their time Fruitlands through the eyes of a child from a typical family of the 1840s. …
Summer Conversational Series 2014: Bronson Alcott as the father of modern child psychology
My thanks again to Kristi Martin for sharing her notes and her photos with this site. Kristina West's presentation highlighted the educational work of Bronson Alcott and his role as arguably the father of modern child psychology. This is one workshop I wish I had not missed. West’s careful study of Bronson serves to redeem him …
In search of Bronson Alcott’s birthplace
I am pleased to present this guest post by Laurel Langdon who has discovered the exact location of Bronson Alcott's birthplace. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Nagging question. Did anyone really know where Bronsons birthplace was? …
“I Will Remember You:” a video and musical tribute to Louisa May Alcott and her sister Lizzie
I created this video in tribute to these two special ladies in our lives. In a previous post I had mentioned how Louisa and Lizzie had changed my life; thus I put together this song and video in tribute. Enjoy and spread it around! Are you passionate about Louisa May Alcott too? Subscribe to our …
Abigail May Alcott’s love was her strength
Following up on my last post on Abigail Alcott, I finished transcribing yet another letter from her to Bronson dated January 4, 1858. Looking for a reply Lizzie is clearly getting worse, her days winding down until her death on March 14. Abba was her primary caregiver, a crushing responsibility in and of itself. But …
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Revealing the real Abigail Alcott to the world must include Bronson
Slowly but surely I am getting through Abba’s letters in relation to my research on Lizzie Alcott. These letters cover a period from 1853 to 1858. Abba’s handwriting is difficult; it appears she often wrote in haste. Her eyesight was poor so it’s amazing she could write letters at all considering she was writing either …
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Lizzie’s favorite hymn, perhaps the one sung at her funeral
In my continuing research on Elizabeth Alcott, I find that letters by her mother offer the most poignant moments. I am already obsessed with Lizzie and Abba's comments act as gasoline on an already roaring fire. I'm told that obsession with a character will produce a good story; I sure hope so! I believe in …
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Into the head and heart of Bronson Alcott: a most surprising and satisfying journey
The Journals of Bronson Alcott by Odell Shepard My rating: 5 of 5 stars I just finished reading The Journals of Bronson Alcott, edited by Odell Shepard. I was fascinated, stimulated and deeply moved. Let no one judge Bronson Alcott until they have done a thorough study of his life (which I have not yet …
Happy birthday! Bronson Alcott at 216, Louisa at 183
Louisa May Alcott had remarked in her journal that memories of her November 29th birthday were not always happy ones. The gift of self-denial There’s the famous story of birthday number 3, celebrated at her father’s Temple School where, in the end, she had to deny herself her own birthday treat and give it to …
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Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 